Phoenix plans second expansion

For the second time in less than two years, Phoenix Packaging Operations LLC has announced plans to expand its Dublin facility and add 100 new jobs.

The $20 million investment will bring the company’s workforce up to 500. It manufactures thermoformed rigid plastic packaging for customers in the United States, including the popular K-cup used in single-cup coffee machines.

Gov. Bob McDonnell made the announcement Friday, pointing out that Virginia successfully competed against Arizona for the project.

“In May 2010 I announced Phoenix Packaging’s plans to establish its first U.S. operation in Pulaski County. Less than one year later the company announced growth plans (100 jobs and a $17.5 million investment),” McDonnell said.

He added, “Now, with this significant project, the company is expanding yet again, and creating 100 more new jobs in Pulaski. Phoenix Packaging is a tremendous corporate partner and asset to the New River Valley and Virginia, and continues to strengthen our manufacturing sector and add valuable jobs for our citizens.”

Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joe Sheffey said, “With the potential for nearly 500 total employees, Phoenix continues to be a great company for Pulaski County and the New River Valley. We are extremely happy to see the company expand. The need to hire more employees and expand production in our community further exhibits the business-friendly climate in Pulaski County and Virginia.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Pulaski County and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. McDonnell approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county with the project.

The company is eligible to participate in the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“We appreciate the investment by Gov. McDonnell, the assistance of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the initiative of the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, and the dedication of the county economic development staff in securing the necessary infrastructure to best meet Phoenix Packaging’s needs,” said Sheffey.

“Thanks to the continued support of Pulaski County and Gov. McDonnell, we decided to increase our production capabilities and bring additional jobs that we originally destined for overseas to Virginia,” said Alberto Peisach, company president and CEO of Grupo Phoenix, the privately owned parent company of Phoenix Packaging.

“With this expansion we continue to support the development and growth of a state and a county that, over the last two years since we established our presence, trusted Grupo Phoenix with carrying the vision of economic expansion and job creation. This has assisted us in continuing our growth, and has reminded us that believing in this great nation and working hard will bring success to our company and the communities where we work,” said Peisach.

In response to the announcement, 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith said, “Generally we only hear about the businesses that are failing, but there are real life success stories like Phoenix Packaging Operations in our backyard in southwest Virginia. … Their success contributes to the success of the New River Valley and of the Commonwealth as a whole. It’s as simple as that.”

Grupo Phoenix has been one of the leading manufacturers of injection-molded plastic packaging, thermoformed products, foil lids and extruded barrier packaging in Latin America for the last 30 years.

With 10 locations in Latin America and the United States, the company employs more than 4,000 people in four countries and exports to 30 countries worldwide. Grupo Phoenix manufactures packaging solutions for major companies and household names in the dairy, dessert, sauces and coffee market.